YWhat? Age Classifications Explained

These fencers fall into the Y8 age category. What does that mean? Keep reading to find out!

USA Fencing divides up tournaments by age classifications. Read on to find out what they are and how they work!

What are age classifications?

Age classifications divide youth and veteran (ages 40+) fencers according to the year they were born. Veteran fencers for the 2017-2018 season are turning 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, or 70+ in 2017.1

The fencing year goes from August 1, 2017 to July 31, 2018. It’s easier for everyone if you stay the same age for the full fencing year, so they go by birth years rather than age. Your Fencing Age, and therefore your age classification, are based off how old you will be on December 31, 2017.

Little Timmy was born on January 2, 2006. US Fencing thinks he’s ten years old right now. Timmy gets a fencing birthday on August 1, and he’ll finally be eleven. Little Susie, who is nearly a full year younger because she was born on December 30, will also have a fencing birthday and turn “eleven” on August 1.

Both Timmy and Susie are Y10 fencers right now, because nine and ten year olds (fencing age, remember) are Y10. After August 1, they will both be Y12 fencers, because eleven and twelve year olds are Y12. They are eligible for Y12 events now, if they want a bit of a challenge. After August 1, they’ll be eligible for Y14 events. Your classification is based (for the most part) on the youngest age group you’re eligible to fence for.

This is confusing. Can you just give me a chart so I can figure out where my kid falls?

Yes, yes we can.

US Fencing Age Classifications for the 2017-2018 Season

Birth Year

Turning in 2017

Classification

Also Eligible For

2010

7

Y8

Y10

2009

8

Y8

Y10

2008

9

Y10

Y12

2007

10

Y10

Y12

2006

11

Y12

Y14

2005

12

Y12

Y14

2004

13

Y14

Cadet, Junior, Senior

2003

14

Y14

Cadet, Junior, Senior

2002

15

Cadet

Junior, Senior

2001

16

Cadet

Junior, Senior

2000

17

Junior

Senior

1999

18

Junior

Senior

1998

19

Junior

Senior

1997 or earlier

20+

Senior

Editor’s note: For some time, we planned to change the class schedule and use USA Fencing classifications instead of calendar ages. We have now given this idea up and will continue to use Youth 6-1, Teen 13-17 and Adult 18+ for our fall schedule.